CLINTON — A new tree grows in Clinton. At least that’s the hope.

“It’s a big deal,” said Jean Zook, vice president of the South Whidbey Garden Club. “It’s just the beginning to improve the look of downtown Clinton.”

The garden club, in cooperation with the Clinton Progressive Association, owner and operator of the Clinton Community Hall, planted a 15-foot Frazier fir on community hall property on Tuesday.

The tree was purchased from Big Trees, Inc. of Snohomish, which transported it by ferry to the hall site, put in an irrigation system for it, planted it, fertilized it and attached stakes to keep it steady during strong winds.

“It’s the most expensive thing we’ve done so far,” Zook said. “We want it to live.”

Garden club president Jack Lynch said the tree replaces one that was cut for the hall to commemorate the winter holiday season. It’s expected to be a focal point in Clinton and the beginning of a landscaping project that will include more trees, shrubs and pathways on the community hall property, he said.

The South Whidbey Garden Club was started in 1948 to promote education, interest and appreciation in gardening. It tackles several community projects, including some flower beds along the road leading to Langley.

Meetings are open to the public and are the third Friday of each month at

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clinton. For more information, call 221-2203.